The Best Classic Italian Carbonara With Bacon Recipe Ever

Crafting an authentic carbonara with bacon brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Italian chefs have perfected this creamy classic over generations.

Pasta lovers consistently marvel at its simple yet incredible flavor profile.

Crispy bacon pieces dance among silky egg-coated noodles, creating a mesmerizing texture.

Each bite promises a rich, comforting experience that transports you straight to rome.

Salt, pepper, and pecorino romano cheese contribute depth and complexity to this beloved dish.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable forkful of this irresistible comfort food.

What Brings Classic Italian Carbonara with Bacon to Life

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this classic carbonara in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious Italian meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with crispy bacon, creamy eggs, and rich Parmesan, this dish delivers ultimate satisfaction that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create restaurant-quality pasta using just a handful of pantry staples, proving you don't need complicated ingredients to make an incredible meal.
• Skill-Builder Recipe: Great for home cooks looking to master a traditional Italian technique, this carbonara teaches the art of creating a silky sauce without scrambling the eggs.

What You Need for Carbonara with Bacon

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that provides the perfect base for this creamy carbonara.
• Eggs: Create a rich and silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Egg Yolk: Adds extra richness and helps achieve a luxurious texture.
• Bacon: Delivers a smoky and savory flavor profile to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp and salty taste that enhances the overall flavor.

• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complements the creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pasta Water: Help in cooking and creating the perfect sauce consistency.

Make Carbonara with Bacon Like a Pro

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Drop spaghetti into a pot of generously salted water.

Cook until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture with a slight bite.

Carefully scoop out some pasta water before draining – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Transform Bacon Into Crispy Delights

Heat a skillet and sizzle bacon until it turns golden and crunchy.

The bacon will release delicious fatty goodness that will become the flavor base of your carbonara.

Once crisp, set the bacon aside on a paper towel.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce Base

In a mixing bowl, crack eggs and an extra yolk.

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Cracked black pepper

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Combine and Create Magic

Pour the hot pasta into the skillet with bacon drippings.

Quickly stir in the egg mixture, moving fast to prevent scrambling.

The residual heat will transform the eggs into a luxurious, silky sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach a perfect creamy consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Indulge

Plate the carbonara immediately.

Shower with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Enjoy this classic Roman comfort food while it’s steaming hot.

Make Every Bite of Carbonara Count

• Quickly stir hot pasta with egg mixture off direct heat to create smooth, silky sauce without curdling.
• Select high-quality Parmesan cheese and fresh eggs for authentic, rich flavor profile.
• Cook spaghetti exactly al dente to maintain perfect bite and help sauce adhere better.
• Use continuous stirring method to emulsify eggs and create creamy carbonara without cream.
• Add reserved pasta water gradually to thin sauce and achieve ideal consistency if too dense.

Fresh Ways to Enjoy Carbonara with Bacon

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or crispy smoked tofu for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta instead of traditional spaghetti for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap spaghetti with spiralized vegetables like butternut squash noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Pancetta Swap: Substitute bacon with authentic Italian pancetta for a more traditional Roman-style carbonara experience.

Carbonara Side Picks for a Full Plate

• Rustic Dinner Plate Presentation: Twirl pasta elegantly on wide white plates, creating height and showcasing the creamy sauce's texture.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve with crisp Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to complement the rich, savory carbonara.
• Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and subtle herbaceous flavor that enhances the dish's classic Italian profile.
• Side Dish Companion: Pair with a simple green salad dressed in light lemon vinaigrette to balance the carbonara's richness and provide a fresh contrast.

Storing Carbonara with Bacon the Smart Way

• Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm portions on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds. Add a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creamy texture and prevent dryness.
• Gently reheat in a pan over low heat, stirring constantly. Add small amounts of water or cream to help revive the sauce's silky consistency.
• Skip freezing carbonara, as eggs and cheese separate, causing sauce to break and become grainy when thawed.

FAQs

• Why do I need to work quickly when adding the egg mixture?

Working fast prevents eggs from scrambling, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly without turning into chunky bits.

• Can I use pancetta instead of bacon?

Yes, pancetta is traditional in authentic carbonara and provides a more delicate, less smoky flavor compared to bacon.

• What does al dente mean for pasta cooking?

Al dente means pasta is cooked until it’s tender but still firm to the bite, offering a slight resistance when chewing.

• How important is the pasta water in this recipe?

Pasta water contains starch that helps create a silky, emulsified sauce and can adjust the consistency if the sauce is too thick.

Classic Italian Carbonara With Bacon Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Crispy bacon elevates classic italian carbonara into a creamy Roman pasta masterpiece. Silky egg sauce and perfectly cooked pancetta create a memorable culinary experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti

Protein:

• 4 ounces (115 grams) bacon, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, smashed

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight bite. Set aside 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature and crisp bacon until golden brown and edges are deeply caramelized. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Whisk eggs, additional egg yolk, grated Parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper in a separate mixing bowl until smoothly combined.
4. Add hot spaghetti directly into the bacon pan, coating noodles with rendered fat and residual bacon drippings.
5. Pour whisked egg mixture over steaming pasta, stirring vigorously to create a silky, glossy sauce. The residual heat will gently cook eggs without scrambling.
6. If sauce appears too thick, incorporate reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a luxurious, creamy consistency.
7. Distribute crispy bacon pieces throughout the pasta, ensuring even distribution.
8. Plate immediately, garnishing with additional freshly grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper for an authentic Italian finish.

Notes

• Elevate egg temperature slowly by adding hot pasta to prevent scrambling, ensuring a silky smooth sauce.
• Swap bacon for pancetta or guanciale to maintain authentic Italian carbonara flavor profile.
• Use room temperature eggs to help create a more consistent and creamy sauce texture.
• Substitute vegetarian bacon or smoked tofu for a plant-based version that still delivers rich, smoky notes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 677 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 605 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 225 mg